WEST ESSEX, NJ - All are invited to the many local Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings throughout the West Essex area. Listed below are many ways to ring in the holidays, join in the games, drink hot chocolates and sing some carols.

ESSEX FELLS, NJ - This weekend, the public is invited to a presentation by The Garden Club of Essex Fells called "Caring for our Trees." The free event takes place Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11am and features arborist Stacie Phelps, an ISA Certified representative from SavATree. Phelps is expected to speak on her knowledge of trees and provide tips and advice about plant and tree care. Refreshments will be served afterwards and children are welcome. The lecture will be held in the Essex Fells School Auditorium, located at 102 Hawthorne Road, Essex Fells. The entrance to the auditorium is off of Forest Way.

Friends and family join in Running 4 Answers in support of Bill Buckley who has early-onset Alzheimer's. Buckley is in the center, wearing a black jacket, and is to the left of Carolyn Mastrangelo wearing the white shirt. Barbara Geiger is in the front, bottom right, wearing a white hat. Credits: Carolyn Mastrangelo

ROSELAND / ESSEX FELLS, NJ - The 6th Annual Running 4 Answers5K Race and 2-mile Fun Run / Fitness Walk will take place the last Saturday in April and registration is now open for participants. Both runners and walkers are needed for the event which begins at 8:30am on Saturday, April 25 and all money raised will benefit the “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.”

Started by two Roseland women, Carolyn Mastrangelo and Barbara Geiger, the USATF-NJ sanctioned and certified race and 2-mile fun run/fitness walk provides participants with 500 Grand Prix points and is chip-timed. It will take place rain or shine beginning at the Roseland Municipal Building located at 19 Harrison Avenue Roseland.

Personal trainer and race co-director Mastrangelo first conceived of the competition in 2009 because she could not find any other race benefiting Alzheimer’s disease.

﻿“Having lost my mother-in-law to breast cancer, I knew there were many ways to donate, many ways to do something," explained Mastrangelo. “As a runner, I found races that support breast cancer research. I looked for the same to support my mom. For a disease that affects more than five million people in our country today, I was shocked to find not one race benefiting Alzheimer’s disease. The feelings of helplessness grew.”﻿

RegistrationRegistration is available online here and individuals may also register in person on Saturday, April 25. Fees are as follows:

Participants will receive water along with bagels and fruit after the race. Everyone is welcome and strollers are permitted on the Fun Run / Fitness Walk.

Race Schedule

7:30am - 8:20amRegistration opens

8:20amWelcome

8:30am5k Race begins

8:30am – 10amPrincess Rebecca and free facepainting

8:35amFun Run / Fitness Walk begins

9:30amAwards ceremony

"So much of what I could say, share or explain is sad," commented Mastrangelo at the 2014 Race. "There is no happy ending to this disease. There are no survivors. We don’t have special ribbons, shirts or hats for those who have been “Alzheimer’s free” for 5 years."

Barbara Geiger and Carolyn Mastrangelo Credit: Carolyn Mastrangelo

According to the race founders, all proceeds benefit the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund; last year the local race raised $40,000 and over the past five years it has raised a total of $175,000. The mission of the fund is to put all dollars raised towards research and so far that research has identified more than 70 genes linked to the disease. Anyone interested in donating to the fund may do so online here.

According to its website, one hundred percent of all funds raised for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund go directly towards researching a cure for Alzheimers. So far the group has donated over $15 million to research in twenty-four different institutions across the country and all research studies done are shared among the participating medical research institutions.

Monetary Prizes for both males and females will be offered as follows:

First Place$250

Second Place$150

Third Place$75

Medals for First through Third Place, both males and females, will be offered as follows in the following age groups:

Under 20

20 – 29

30 – 39

40 – 49

50 – 59

60 – 69

70 - 79

80+

5K Race Route

Course RoutesRacers and walkers will be passing through “the beautiful tree-lined, rolling hill streets of historic Essex Fells, NJ,” detailed Geiger. Parking is available at the Roseland Municipal Building, as well as the Calvary Evangelical Free Church on Fells Road and the Roseland Free Public Library.

2-Mile Fun Run / Fitness Walk Route

Those who choose to take a more leisurely and shorter route are encouraged to participate in the two mile long Fun Run / Fitness Walk.

Mastrangelo’s mother started showing signs of the disease by age fifty-five.

“She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend…roles that she taught me how to do well,” wrote Mastrangelo in her blog, “Behind The Race: The All-Too-Familiar Story That Started Running 4 Answers.” “She was an avid reader and trivia buff. She was a registered nurse at a nursing home for 22 years, a job she enjoyed tremendously. She has lived in one now for 5 years. She is almost 66 years old.”

At the opening of the 2011 race Mastrangelo commented, “People ask me all the time, ‘Does your Mom recognize you?’ To understand what this disease does, let me explain: my mom hasn’t recognized me in over six years. One of the last ’real’ things I remember her saying to me is ‘No, I don’t know who you are, I just know that I love you.”

WEST ESSEX, NJ - Area towns throughout West Essex are getting ready to ring in the holidays. All are invited to the many local Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings, and are welcome to join in the games, carols and hot chocolates which are sure to keep everyone warm this chilly December.

SCHEDULE

CALDWELL

Saturday, Dec. 65pmCaldwell Green268 Bloomfield Ave, CaldwellDue to the weather, the outdoor tree lighting has been cancelled but the firehouse party is still on, beginning at 5pm

Santa is scheduled to arrive at the Caldwell Fire Department at 4:30pm, parade throughout the neighborhoods and end up at 5pm on the Caldwell Green just in time for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the tree lighting, everyone is invited to gather inside the Caldwell Fire House where refreshments will be served, music will be provided by DJ Joe Garamella and there will be a Holiday Auction with many prizes. The auction will be held to benefit the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Dept. Children’s Education Fund.

Sunday, Dec. 2110:30am and on

Beginning at 10:30am, the Caldwell Fire Department will drive through every street in town with Santa on board handing out candy canes. They will also be collecting non-perishable items for the Caldwell Food Bank.

FAIRFIELD

The evening begins with refreshments being served at 5:30pm, followed by the Christmas Ceremony at 6:15pm. The 4 year-olds from the Busy Hand’s class will sing holiday music, and the Recreation King Ryan Pierce and Queen Alexandra Bastante will be on hand to spread the joy of the season. Santa himself has been invited to come by to join in the celebration.

Sunday, Dec. 2110amFrom 10am until about 5:30pm, the Fairfield Fire Department will be driving Santa around for a happy ride through all of the streets in Fairfield.

NORTH CALDWELL

Mayor Joe Alessi will be on hand as the Borough hosts an evening called "Joy, Peace, and Goodwill" which features the lighting of both the Christmas Tree and Chanukah Menorah.

The North Caldwell Fire Department will make sure Santa makes a grand entrance on one of their trucks while also giving out candy canes. The North Caldwell Boy Scouts will serve hot chocolate and cider and live music will be provided from DJ Legendery. For a special treat this year, the Dapper Dans of Harmony barber Shop Quartet will entertain the guests with a salute to the troops. In addition, the North Caldwell Girl Scouts will be accepting new, unwrapped, toys for their annual toy drive. Gifts are needed for boys and girls ages 8-15 years old.

Saturday, Dec. 2012pmThroughout the day, the North Caldwell Fire Department will give Santa a tour of the borough while greeting the children who come out to wave. The department asks that anyone who has a child with special needs please call 973-228-6437.

ROSELAND

Mayor John Duthie welcomes guests to join in the Borough's Christmas Celebration complete with refreshments and live entertainment.

The evening begins at 6:15pm with a performance from the Roseland Methodist Church Bell Choir. The bells will be followed with Christmas music until the 7pm tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus. Following the lighting, the borough hosts a reception with Santa which includes music and dance and refreshments.

On the first night of Chanukah, the mayor and council take part in a celebration for the Festival of Lights. Starting at 6:15pm, Rabbi Kasowitz will begin by blessing the Menorah, followed by the lighting at 6:30pm. Singing, dancing and a reception with refreshments will then take place inside the Borough Hall.

Sunday, Dec. 213:30pm to 9pm

Santa will be riding through the streets of Roseland on a Roseland Fire Engine, accompanied by a festive holiday truck, music, and lots of elves in turnout gear. Weather permitting, the parade will start on Laurel Avenue at 3:30pm and continue through the town, visiting every street. The parade completes on Passaic Avenue at approximately 9pm. Listen for the sirens and come out and wave!

VERONA

Verona will be hosting a Christmas gathering starting at 6pm. The night begins with a variety of arts and crafts available in the ballroom until 6:45pm as guests are treated to holiday sounds performed by Santa and his elves. One child will be chosen to have the special opportunity to light the tree with Santa at 6:45pm. The public is invited to stop by for some holiday fun for the whole family.

A fun-filled afternoon for the entire family, the Verona Holiday Fair in the Square offers merchants, music, activities, refreshments, photos with Santa as well as a horse-drawn wagon ride. The tree lighting takes place at 4:30pm. Saturday's date was postponed until Sunday due to weather

Sunday, Dec. 1410:30am and on

The Verona Fire Department will make their way through all of the township streets with Santa on board; be sure to listen for the sirens to know when he's close by.

WEST CALDWELL

The Township invites everyone to join at the Gazebo at 5pm to sing carols while waiting for Santa to arrive on a West Caldwell Fire Engine to light the tree at 5:15pm. DJ Joe Garamella will be there to provide entertainment and afterwards refreshments will be served in the Civic Center.

ESSEX FELLS, NJ - The Calvary Evangelical Free Church is sponsoring a "Fall Fun Night!" Saturday, Sept. 27, to benefit the Roseland and West Essex First Aid Squads. The free outdoor event will take place from 7pm to 9pm and will feature an evening of live music, a delicious Pie Bar, fresh donuts and cider, and a Corn Hole Tournament for adults and kids. The church is located at 450 Fells Road, Essex Fells.

DonationsAdmission is free, but all donations received will be used to benefit the first aid squads. Everyone is welcome to attend.

"Come out for a great evening of fun and music, and show your support for the First Aid Squads!" commented Associate Pastor Paul Voltmer.

Credit: Full Citi

Live EntertainmentFull Citi, well known around the area for their appearances at Rockin' Joe's, Calandra's and Just Jakes, will be on hand to provide their country, rock and soul numbers for the crowd.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ –Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to enjoy the 2014 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series. The upcoming events include performances by Tony Scally and Jazzmataz, Five-O Trio, and Jersey Sound and Almost Queen. Admission to the concerts is free.

﻿“Our Free Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage in venues throughout our historic Essex County Park System," DiVincenzo said. "Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze and dance to the sounds of classical, rock and roll, jazz, big band, Latin and more. We have a spectacular line-up that is sure to entertain and impress.”﻿

Tuesday, July 29

Tony Scally and Jazzmataz Tony Scally has been a freelance musician and music teacher in the metropolitan area since 1976. Scally owns of MillSound Music, which represents jazz and classical groups, and has performed with Gradie Stone. He will be joined by Jazzmataz.

Friday, August 1

Jersey Sound and Almost QueenJersey Sound, one of the Tri-State Area's premier oldies band, and Almost Queen, a tribute band featuring the songs of the 1970s group Queen, are joining forces to present a memorable rock and roll show.

Essex County Brookdale Park Credit: Google Maps

Tuesday, August 5

Denise HamiltonMontclair resident Denise Hamilton will perform an electrifying array of jazz, standards and smooth R&B selections when she takes the stage. Hamilton is known for her sultry, yet powerful voice and unique singing style. A retired East Orange teacher, she has sung in the Trump Plaza, Cecil’s Jazz Club and other venues.

Essex County Ivy Hill Park Credit: Google Maps

Wednesday, August 6

Johnny Drama and His Hip Hop 4Johnny Drama and His Hip Hop 4 features the talents of lead vocalist Nate Ross, Christian Colabelli on guitar, John Kanopka on bass and Craig Scoppa on drums performing 1980s new wave and hair metal, 1990s grunge, R&B, hip-hop, millennium club and pop hits, all while iconic videos, classic movie clips and other pop culture imagery shine from behind.

Essex County Weequahic Park Credit: Google Maps

Friday, August 8

The Cast of BeatlemaniaThe "Cast of Beatlemania" is a Beatles tribute band made up of former members who starred in the Broadway production and have performed in all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. The Cast includes Carlo Cantamessa as John Lennon, Lenie Colacino as as Paul McCartney, James Filgate as George Harrison and John Delgado as Ringo Starr.

International Food and Music Festival The International Food and Music Festival brings the Ivy Hill neighborhood together to celebrate with food and music. There will be entertainment, food and fellowship. The International Food and Music Festival is sponsored by the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association.

Essex County Ivy Hill Park Credit: Google Maps

The Summer Music Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Filippo Berio Olive Oil, TD Bank and the Branch Brook Park Alliance. The series is also made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. Concerts are held at accessible sites. Persons who require special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least two weeks prior to the concert to alert staff as to their needs.

Further InformationEssex County County Executive: Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. BoulevardNewark, NJ 07102973-621-4400Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs973‑239-2485WebsiteThe Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 22 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, Treetop Adventure Course, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.